Former Israeli President Shimon Peres has suffered a major stroke and is fighting for his life in the intensive care unit of Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv. The 93 year-old former president is in a medically induced coma and on a respirator, and is under close observation from the hospital's medical staff.
Mr Peres' son-in-law and personal physician Dr Rafi Valden said there was “no imminent threat to his life”, and that he had a “pretty good chance of survival”.
Dr Rafi Valden said Mr Peres had squeezed his hand. “We are definitely convinced that he is awake and listening and reacting,” he said.
Dr Valden said the former president had been taken to hospital for examination after feeling a “vague head ache” and “some weakness”.
While there, he had a stroke in the right side of the brain.
His son Chemi Peres said, “The doctors are doing wonderful work and I want to thank them on behalf of the family. I remain optimistic and I'm praying for the best.”
Peres served as Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Finance and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994. He was also the architect of Israel's defense industries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted: “Shimon, we love you and the entire nation is wishing for your recovery.”